I haven't had WLS either, but use protein shakes post work out for muscle repair.

I would be discinclined to meal substitute with them. I count them into my daily calories (1500 per day I shoot for 300 for breakfast 300 for lunch 500 for dinner and then a shake in the mid morning or afternoon)

The reason I wouldn't subsitute for a meal is that you are only getting protein from a shake, no fibre (unless you add some which would then throw your calorie calculation a bit, if you are math challenged like me!!! :D) And very little in the way of vitamins.

But having them as a snack is fine, I make mine with semi skimmed milk and a banana, and it fills me up for ages!!!

That sounds good.. I might do it as a snack after dinner so I won't be inclined to snack late!

I had WLS, my DH did not. He has been enjoying my protein shakes almost as much as I. He has lost 30 pounds and uses one for breakfast-with some fruit added-and one after dinner to keep the munchies away. Most of us who have had WLS take 2 kiddy mulivitamins per day, along with other supplements and B12 shots from the Dr. So for us-protein is the way to go. You cannot get protein in a pill or a shot. Also-I add frozen fruit-especially strawberries to mine.